Ngongotahā SH36 roadworks to pause for bad weather on Friday

Major roadworks through Ngongotahā will be paused tomorrow.

The southbound lane of State Highway 36 through the village is due to be closed for six weeks for essential repairs between the railway line and the Gull petrol station.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said today that the works were cancelled on Friday because poor weather was forecast.

NZTA said the road would be fully open tomorrow during the pause.

Work would resume on Monday.

Last month, the agency said the section of SH36 had been patched for many years and required a full asphalt rebuild.

The southbound lane of SH36 was to be closed between Wikaraka St and Hall Rd for six weeks from March 9. Traffic was being detoured at Wikaraka St.

The closure would operate each week from Monday at 9am until Friday at 2.30pm.

There would be no weekend work and the southbound lane would reopen on Fridays at 2.30pm until 9am Monday, NZTA said.

Northbound traffic would continue to use SH36 with a reduced speed limit in place, while the detour would manage all southbound movement.

“We are working closely with our contractor to ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently while minimising disruption as much as possible.

“Our priority is the safety of all road users and our work crews.”

NZTA said the one-way closure allowed crews to complete the work as efficiently as possible, minimising ongoing disruption.